Our Story

 Calyse was founded by Cassandra Severino when she sparked an interest in making handbags. It all started when she met her partner, an automotive upholsterer. Picking up the leather off-cuts in the shop, Cassandra was inspired to make use of what would be waste. With a passion for fashion, she began sketching handbag designs and navigated how to turn these into tangible goods. This hobby quickly grew into an obsession, a mission to further her learning, practice tirelessly and become a skilled craftswoman, full-time working artist.

Being an environmentalist herself, Cassandra strives to produce products that are sustainable and built to last. Sourcing leather thoughtfully is one of the top priorities for staying earth-friendly. High quality leather hides are sourced from designer factory overflow or vegetable tanned leather that is easier on the environment by using plants rather than chemicals to process. Our main Leather use comes from recycling vintage saddlery and tack, saving these beautifully patina'd and high quality leathers from the landfill. All hardware is natural solid brass sourced from top notch supplier in Newburyport, MA.

Each and every piece is thoughtfully designed and handmade out of Cassandra's studio based in Candia, NH. Quality and sustainability are the key factors behind Calyse bags in order to bring you a beautiful, heirloom piece of wearble art that is built to last and take with you wherever you may go.